Having not listened to Tom Petty in many, many years, I must say that his halftime show wasn’t half bad. Medley-free made it even better. We’re guessing some of the Heartbreakers received promotional consideration from Just For Men.

Why did they feel the need to stuff the fake, overexcited crowd on the field? Petty is weed smoking chill music, the Cameron Crazies in front of him made no sense.

Quick observation: Notice how many times electronic media members said how “relaxed” and “cheerful” Bill Belichick was before the game (and this week)? Sounds like he might consider going back his his normally glowerful sideline self.

And wake me when Troy Aikman says something interesting.

UPDATE: After reading through a few blogs, apparently not many people agree with our complimentary assessment of Petty. Example.

We reported months ago that there was a very good chance that The Eagles would play the game (BUT, we never confirmed the gig). We also had the eventual news (first - woohoo!) that Tom Petty would perform instead.

SbB’S TOM PETTY SUPER BOWL SCOOP NOW CONFIRMED: Two weeks after we reported the news here, the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER confirms that Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers will headline Super Bowl XLII on February 3 at Univ. of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The H-P also notes that American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who is from Phoenix, may sing the national anthem for the game. Certainly she could use a boost in publicity, considering how hollow her debut record rollout has been.

EAGLES OUT; TOM PETTY TO PLAY SUPER BOWL HALFTIME: Last month we reported there was a 90% chance that the Eagles would be the headliner at next year’s Super Bowl in Glendale, AZ. Well much like our most recent visit to the tables in Laughlin, the 10% came through - and the Eagles are out.

We have since learned that Tom Petty will headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The deal is officially done. Much like our visits to Nevada for the next calendar year.

TECH COACH LEACH NOT SUCKING UP AFTER RIPPING REFS: Mike Leach had some harsh words for the officials after his team’s loss to the Longhorns. And taking Tom Petty’s advice, the Texas Tech coach won’t back down:

The DALLAS MORNING NEWS reports that Leach is not apologizing for the heated critiques he gave the zebra crew after Saturday’s 59-43 defeat:”I don’t have any regrets. I wouldn’t change anything about what I said.”

Leach went after the striped shirts, saying his team were victims of “atrociously bad calls“, calling the instant review process “a sham” and wondering aloud if Texas got more breaks because they’re “higher bowl-wise“.

Mike also muttered about referee Randy Christal, who, like the Longhorns, makes his home in the state captial:”This is the second year in a row that an Austin resident has negatively affected the integrity of the officiating. I think it’s disturbing that Austin residents are involved in this.”

Back in 2005, Texas Tech defeated Oklahoma 23-21, aided by a controversial TD call by line judge Kelly Deterding. Both judge and winning school hail from Lubbock.

When brought up the 2005 situation, and asked if he would ban officials from working hometown games, Leach replied, “My comments on Saturday pretty thoroughly answered that question.”

And Leach is not one for keeping his emotions hidden. After the Texas Tech-Oklahoma State contest, only an upstaging by Mike Gundy kept many folks unaware of Leach’s own post-game tirade.This week’s raging could cost the coach and his college a pretty penny, depending on the Big 12’s decisions. If such outbursts end up costing Leach his job, he can always return to his true love -